canuckguy

A lady down the street has about 4 cats that she lets wander the neighbourhood at all hours. Most of her cats are cute and just lay around like all cats do but one is just a biatch. This one cat keeps ripping at my patio door screen, rips up flowers and lately has been coming to any window/door to have a cat fight with my strickly indoor cat.

Now before some extreme animal lovers read any farther I should tell you that I don't care about this cat, and if he happened to walk infront of my car, I may stomp on the gas like my foot was on fire. Just so you understand my caring for this cat.

Now DID call animal control , but they could give a rats ass about this type of problem and said there is nothing they can do. So I am stuck with home remedies. I love cats, have 2 cats myself but this cat has to go. I am tired of replacing my screen and the lady who owns the cat does nothing. I've confronted the old bag who's cat it is several times and she says her cats are fine will not pay for my continuing replacement of screens.
Now the cat knows that I hate it so whenever it see's me it runs away, so cornering it or catching it with my hands is not an option. I honesty have been holding back from just plain killing it as I truly do love cats, but soon this cat is going to move or die. I was thinking of trapping it and releasing it in the country, but that might be hard as we have so many animals around, other cats, raccoons, skunks..etc. I could trap it and take it to the animal shelter, but that will cost me out of pocket as the shelter will not take them for free.
Any idea's on how to deter this cat from coming back to my yard? I've tried squirting with water, thrown rocks, cayenne pepper, moth balls. Any idea's? Anyone got a gun I can borrow?

theguyondacouch

I would say a high powered pellet gun should do it(if your a good enough shot) but if this cat just up and disappears, do you think the lady will start shit? Having complained about it already, I'm sure you'd be high up on the list of suspects. Though I suppose if you didn't just leave the body laying about, it would be hard to pin it on you.

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highthief

I've heard people actually have best success luring the cat away rather than trying to repel it (ie, plant some catnip in a far corner - the cat(s) then just hangs out in that area). I've also heard coffee grounds and orange peel make decent repellant.

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mrklixx

There is a cat (or cats) that likes to sometimes come and harass our indoor cat. So what I do is take some ammonia and spray around the bottoms of the windows and doors that are targeted. It's not a permanent solution, but it does seem to work for several weeks/months at a time, although I don't know if that would be a good option for around your flowers.

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shakran

What the hell? What's wrong with you people? That's animal cruelty, and shit like that is only done by major assholes.

Call animal control and have them come get the cat. This bullshit about shooting cats and running them over on purpose is NOT going to make you many friends around here.

cyrnel

I used to be the target of an annoying stray. He behaved similar to yours, sneaking & running when I came around. I started offering him food with the intent of luring him away, and that was the end. He kept me for a couple years before vanishing, for better food, hopefully. I didn't have other pets at the time so the situation was different.

Definitely check local regulations first. I expect firearms or anything that does physical harm would be out of the question.

Live traps are usually legal for this purpose. Trap, inspect, release until you have the target. You won't make friends if anything happens to other neighbors' pets.

You want animal control agents to be your friends. Call & ask to speak with one next time they're in the neighborhood. The people on the phone are usually less versed in reality.

Good luck.

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LewisCouch

Most communities have animal control laws, including cats; I would first check at the county level. Photograph or video your little friend and submit the evidence to the authorities. After the irresponsible owner is fined a couple of times, your problem will end.

Here's an example from the county I reside in.

5. Is there a leash law?

Yes. Dogs must be on leashes within the urban areas of the county. Within rural areas, dogs are not required to be leashed if they are under the control of their owner while off their owners premises. Animals may not run loose anywhere in the county. While cats are not required to be leashed, it is illegal for cats to be loose on public property or for cats to damage property of another person.

6. What can be done if a neighbor's pets are loose and a nuisance?

Call Animal Protection and Control. Someone will investigate. If violations of local ordinances are found the pet owner may be cited or the animals may be taken into custody. If this occurs the owner must pay penalties at the animal shelter to redeem the pet. When serious violations are reported involving vicious animals or animal cruelty, Animal Control officers may ask neighbors to help establish evidence so they may take enforcement action.

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canuckguy

first off i was joking, make no friends, I don't understand? do I have to quit the TFP now?

canuckguy

sorry worded my first post wrong, will edit, it should read that I did call animal control, was nice and they said there was nothing they can do.

Jinn

No matter the problem, its always easiest to kill the problem at the source. I'm sure your neighbor isn't INTENTIONALLY letting this cat wreak havoc on your house and yard, but doesn't really know how / isn't motivated to do anything about it. Unless you show a person why they should care, they definitely won't. Go over there and have a polite conversation with her. This doesn't mean accusing her or her cat of anything, or getting angry in the least. Take a ripped up screen over there, and show her -- NICELY -- what the cat has done. Tell her exactly what you've told us.. you can't afford to keep replacing plants, screens, etc with a cat around. Likewise, you've tried to keep the cat off your property but it keeps coming back. Ask HER to propose a solution. This gets her involved, and puts her into your shoes for a few moments.

If, after this .. and I must stress again.. POLITE conversation is over, the cat keeps returning to your yard, call Animal Control. You tried the mature response of speaking to her beforehand, and she failed to rectify the situation. Not only does this give you ground to stand on with Animal Control, but she'll recognize it as her failure to act, not you being an "asshole neighbor." You can even apologize to her for having her cat taken away, but stress that it wasnt appropriate for it to be damaging YOUR property.

Cat taken away, civility continues, and neighbor might even respect you a little more for trying to deal with them first.. that's how I'd deal with it. Anyone with an arm strong enough to hold a gun can shoot a cat. Anyone who can speak can get angry and complain about the situation. Only A MATURE INDIVIDUAL can get the problem solved with civil discourse. Take it as you will..

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stevie667

Buy a guard elephant.

Give Jinnkai's idea a try.

You say you have cats, are they house bound for whatever reason, or free to roam around?

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Carno

Screw that. Run the little fuckers over.

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canuckguy

Why does everyone always assume that I did not ask the lady nicely?


I did ask her very nicely, much nicer than I should have been. Several times, I have spoken to her, always polite. I have asked her to pay for the screens, I've told her how her cat makes my kid cry as it scares her when it comes up to our door and hangs 3 feet off the ground on the screen. She says there is nothing she can do, and says her cats stay in the house most times.

Which is funny as I've never seen the cats near her house. Anyway, again to restate, restate, restate....I DID call animal control and they stated there is nothing they can do. No video, pictures or other forum of media is going to convince them. Why do I know that? Well after calling them, I discovered an animal control officer lives near my friend and asked him for advice. He told me to just trap it or kill it.
Sounding about right at this time.

canuckguy

my cats are strickly indoor cats for a reason. plus their huge pussies and run when this cat comes around.



I'll pay for the elephant if your will to do shovel duty?

stevie667

lol, ok.

Make the owner of the damned cat do shovel duty, duh


Show the little fucker whos boss.

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Rodney

Several things, none of which are nice but none of which willactually harm the cat.

First: google with the search terms "cats rue" and you'll get a lot of good info. Cats hate the smell of the rue plant. Grow rue in your yard, or sprinkle dried rue all over the place.

The same articles will also tell you about the "piss" solution. You can buy, essentially, panther piss in the stores and sprinkle it around to keep them away. You can also do the two-legged solution and piss around your own backyard. This may not be a solution for _you,_ but my backyard is rather wild. And I've been doing a lot of work back there in the last year or so and pissing on bare dirt in the corners rather than go back to the house. And I've noticed there are almost no stray cats hanging out back there anymore. And the racoons have moved on, too. This may be too gross for you, but I'll vouch for it.

Third: trap the damn cat, put seal it in a cardboard box with holes, and leave it on Animal Control's doorstep in the middle of the night with the message, "I found this poor stray on the West Side (whatever part of town you _don't_ live in) and I can't give it a home. Won't you please help a poor widow?" They'll have to take care of the damn cat. Sneaky? Sure. But _nobody_ is taking responsibility for this situation whose job it should be to do so. So think laterally, or grin and bear it.

jorgelito

That's messed up - she needs to take responsibility and be held accountable.

Take her to small claims.

If you have video, receipts etc. Document everything. Date and time you spoke with her - the next time you do, try to have a witness. Better yet, put it in writing: Send her certified letters asking her to reimburse you for the damage her cat did to your property - hopefully you have pictures/video and/or you witnessed it yourself and documented it (time , date etc) - plus description of the cat.

I know it's a lot of work but dude, you gotta do it. You can't let her get away with this stuff. It's not right.

Good luck

Daniel_

Hit powered pump water pistol filled with water/vinegar mix.

Not harmful, but will "educate" the moggy about it being miserable to mess with your screens.

Also - if it's legal in your district - why not look into hiring the sort of equipment ta makes electric fences work? Hook it up to your screens and it will make the fucker run....

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canuckguy

thanks for the great ideas! I'm gonna try that rue plant if I can find it. My sister inlaw is a horticultural or whatever student, going to ask and see if she knows of it as well. She might be able to locate this plant.
As for suing her? Na, I have nothing against the women really, the money is peanuts, was just harping for the sake of harping.
Her cat though has to go, I will be trapping this bastard if the plants don't work. Sometimes I wish the world worked in different ways and I could just go outside and skin it alive and let it freeze to death during these cold dark november nights, but that would be wrong.....oh wait what was I saying?


<joke>

Jinn

...yeaa. okkkayyy..

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canuckguy

hehe, i was joking about the skinning part.

snowy

I agree with those who've said to document it. Don't be afraid to take this to small claims. That would definitely get the woman's attention.

Furthermore, do get a squirt gun and fill it with either the vinegar/water mix recommended above or lemon juice/water. Don't be afraid to spray it in the cat's face--the acid will sting their eyes without harming them. It's a training tool often used to get cats to quit scratching.

Also go to your local pet store and inquire about cat repellent. For instance: http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.as...3d23%252520140

Also, cats HATE sticky things--so if you could make the approach to where this cat is scratching sticky somehow, it would probably help keep the cat away. I find double-sided tape works well.

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AquaFox

i don't know if this works for cats... but in the more forested areas with bear problems guys will pee outside on trees to mark there territory to keep bears away


i can think of two things...

one:
threaten your neighbor with lawsuits with damage to flowers/screen door and or anything thing else you can think of

two:
get a cardboard box, put air holes in it, grab the cat, and it it on her porch, she'll get the idea

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...AquaFox...

ryfo

AquaFox had my idea catch her cat in a cat box and leave it on her doorstep. You should only have to do this a few times and she will get the hint, If she doesnt just tell her she will have to pay for the cat box everytime you catch her cat on your property.

Dragonknight

I know, catch the damn thing..................................then shave it!!! The old bag will have to keep poor kitty in side so that it doesn't freeze. YES problem solved. Or (thought just came to mind) pee on the damn cat and It will get the pict. (sorry felt compelled to say these) Okay seriously that's mean, but I had to say it sorry. I do like AquaFox's idea though or Rodney's third idea. Be careful with the rue plant you don't want it annoying your own cats.

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aKula

I think some form of repellent that you can put on the door will keep it away.

pattycakes

since a pelet gun is to harsh for some people in here... get a live cage, catch it drive 100 miles drop it off somehwere

there is a point in everyones when they have to say enough is enough

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tecoyah

Prestone anti-freeze......works every time

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canuckguy

tecoyah, cheers!

raeanna74

Catch the cat if you have any place where you can keep it for a few days. Advertize in the paper - yes this costs too but some local papers will allow advertizements for free if the person advertizing is not charging. You could also advertize online at your local freecycle group.
Say something to the effect.
"Friendly outdoor cat, excellent mouser. Would be good addition to a farm or somewhere in the country. To give away."

Then get rid of the cat yourself.

Otherwise I liked the idea (sounded easier) of putting the cat on the humane society's doorstep.

I'm surprised that the humane society did not at least give you any other options for getting rid of this pest. You could call the police the next time your screen is damaged. If you explain to them that the animal control people refuse to help and that this is a dispute between you and a neighbor then they have to intervene and at least speak to the woman. She's is inadvertently causing damage to your house and property and refuses to compensate you for it - that could be construed as vandalizm. It is in the interest of law enforcement to at least investigate this and mediate for fear that an altercation could develope between the two of you.

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Leto

apparently animal control could care less.



- I used Rodney's idea to solve a racoon nuisance I.E. piss around the yard to mark my territory. It seems to have worked. do it at night tho.....

- one thing that I have done with my neighbour's cat mess, is to collect up the turds left in my yard, and place them at his door step (along with all the cigarette butts that he throws into my yard). This was after repeated attempts to get him to control his baby. I left a note stating that I did not appreciate having to clean it up, and i don't want the crap in my garbage can for a week.

- i don't think that Jinn's sense of humour was active for his last post...

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skier

Although this is in jest, it's obvious that you are nearing the end of your patience with this. I don't think the water gun solution will really work because you can't stand on guard all day for the stupid cat.

You could try buying a metal screen and electrifying it- and put strips of the screen wherever the cat hangs out and attach it to those big 9V batteries. If that doesn't work change it to a car battery and chuck the toasted feline in the trash the next morning.

(alternatively, I like the "free to a good country home" trapping idea.)

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skier

Although this is in jest, it's obvious that you are nearing the end of your patience with this. I don't think the water gun solution will really work because you can't stand on guard all day for the stupid cat.

You could try buying a metal screen and electrifying it- and put strips of the screen wherever the cat hangs out and attach it to those big 9V batteries. If that doesn't work change it to a car battery and chuck the toasted feline in the trash the next morning.

(alternatively, I like the "free to a good country home" trapping idea.)

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Aphrodite

If you can, squirt it with a hose or high powered water pistol when it starts scratching around your property. Make sure if possible that it doesn't see you when you do this, so it will associate the soaking with the behaviour.

Alternatively, get a hold of some cayenne pepper and lay a line of it along the front of your screen door. The cat will disturb it when it's scratching away and will breathe some in. This will cause it some irritation but no long term harm.

cyrnel

Can't help but picture a friend trying to explain the cheesecloth or flypaper on his doormat.

I used motion detector sprinklers for one cat problem. My yard was the local litter-box, and I was tired of arriving home to wonderful new smells. I used the same sensors as in "motion lights" to sense movement, then output 110vAC from that to a 24vDC transformer, and from that to a 24V sprinkler valve which supplied two nozzles (two directions). Worked great for my flower-bed & garden. Not sure you'd be happy with it spraying your front door. Perhaps you could cut off his avenue of approach? There are simple versions that run off batteries and a garden hose.

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la petite moi

I'm not endorsing this, but I would use a pellet gun. I'm not sure if you can do this, but perhaps you can write a formal complaint with your local police department for defacing of property and public disturbance. I would try it.

feelgood

I'm gonna go with the cat repellent idea. If that doesn't do the trick, purchase one of those can that's filled with bear piss (I'm curious as to how they managed to get ahold of those things...) and spray it over problem area (Screen door, window and such)

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dlish

anyone thought of putting cat food on your next door neighbours porch? that way the cats out of your yard and is now someone elses problem out of sight out of mind.. hehehe

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Leto

that's a great idea!

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nukeu666

hmm...get a dog for the porch

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